Heritage Offering Mammoth “Collecting The Simpsons” Auction

Heritage Offering Mammoth “Collecting The Simpsons” Auction

January 23rd, 2024

Jerry Beck

On February 17, Heritage will offer some of the rarest and most sought-after Simpsons art and collectibles ever assembled in its Collecting the Simpsons Animation Art Showcase Auction. The first of its kind, the online auction includes original animation art from some of The Simpsons’ funniest episodes, including early appearances on The Tracey Ullman Show, “Treehouse of Horror” production cels and couch gag drawings by seven-time guest director Bill Plympton. Along with the animation art is a treasure trove of toys, games, clothing, comics, magazines, promotional items and other long sold-out and/or discontinued licensed products, memorabilia and collectibles.

With more than 250 lots in the sale – the most Simpsons items ever offered in a single auction – picking favorites is an arduous task, but here are a few highlights.

Homer’s Face” Couch Gag Drawings by Bill Plympton

This trio of original sketches by the acclaimed animator Bill Plympton, created for a Simpsons couch gag, offers a unique glimpse into the creative process behind one of television’s most iconic scenes. These drawings stem from Episode 13 of Season 29, where Plympton, renowned for his 1987 Academy Award-nominated animated short “Your Face,” revisited the concept for a Simpsons couch gag featuring Homer. Each piece in the sequence, instrumental in the filming of the opening sketch, showcases Plympton’s distinctive style.

Bart Simpson Production Cel From The Tracey Ullman Show

From the early days of The Simpsons comes this charming production cel from a Tracey Ullman short titled “House of Cards.” Here, Bart, with his trademark spiky hair on full display, is seen stacking playing cards, creating a delicate tower in the process. The cel embodies the essence of Bart’s character and rebellious spirit, which has led to countless comic situations.

There is more – much, much more. Check out this video below for a small sampling of the items worthy of having a cow, man.

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Jerry Beck

Writer, cartoon producer and author of more than 15 books on animation history. A former studio exec with Nickelodeon and Disney; currently on the faculty at both CalArts in Valencia and Woodbury University in Burbank, California.